Animal Defenders International

Momentum builds for bullfighting ban.

Posted: 22 February 2018. Updated: 22 February 2018

Since bill 271/17 to ban bullfights in Colombia passed its first debate in May 2017, the coalition Colombia Sin Toreo, of which ADI is an active member, has carried out a marathon series of actions to support this important legislation.

Artistic and sports activities, demonstrations, education, public hearings, collecting petition signatures, online actions, and the delivery of letters/briefings to Representatives of the Chamber, among others, have been organised in regions where bullfights continue to be held. In the Congress, an academic forum, workshop/vegan food tasting and art exhibition have been held, alongside continued lobbying efforts.

With the legislative agenda focused on prioritizing bills related to the implementation of peace agreements between the government and the FARC, it has been difficult for the Congress to discuss the bill. However, through the perseverance and work of ADI and Colombia Sin Toreo, bill 271/17 was scheduled for debate in the Plenary of the House of Representatives before the end of the year recess.

Ahead of the debate, on December 12th, 2017, a petition of 90,000 signatures, collected from citizens across the country, were delivered to the speakers and board of the House of Representatives. On December 14th, the last day before recess, the bill was scheduled for debate. Representatives Hernán González and Mario Castaño unfortunately requested that it be postponed and while the request was being voted on, the quorum disintegrated and the board announced that discussion of the bill would be continued in 2018 when the Congress resumes its activities.

ADI and Colombia Sin Toreo continues to campaign for an end to bullfighting in Colombia. The support received from Representatives to the House indicate that step by step we are breaking the taboo surrounding this cruel form of entertainment, unthinkable just a few years ago, and moving ever closer towards a ban. With the Constitutional Court giving the Congress two years to legislate on the matter, if it fails to act, bullfighting will be considered illegal from 2019.

How YOU can help:

Urge the Colombian Embassy in your country to support proposals to ban bullfighting in Colombia. Click for contact details in English / Spanish.